Best Camping in and near Capitol State Forest

Discover Capitol State Forest's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Capitol State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Capitol State Forest

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(628)

Hairy Eagle Lookout 🦅

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Olympia, WA

Experience breathtaking views! Positioned atop a 500ft hill, you will witness phenomenal sights of Puget Sound inlets, Mount Rainer, St Helens, Adams, and much more on a clear day. Resting against the Capitol State Forest, and mere miles away from Olympic National Forest, this serene secluded location is surrounded by majestic beauty. Recently awarded runner-up for the best Hipcamp in Washington 2023!

99%

(1495)

Unique Bay Front Camping

5 sites · RVs6 acres · Aberdeen, WA

PLEASE NO FIREWORKS ON SITE OR SURROUNDING AREA. We bought this land in 2017, there were 7 derelict mobile homes on the property. We cleaned up the area and remodeled the house next door and put in the 5 RV sites. We hope you enjoy this property as much as we do, it is a one-of-a-kind beautiful, quiet place. All of our sites have full hook-ups (water, sewer, and power). The sites are just a couple feet from the bay with access to miles of beach hiking. You can walk to Bottle Beach State Park which is approximately 1 mile north or hike about a mile south to Elk River. Enjoy unobstructed views of Westport and the freight ships coming into the harbor. Enjoy a peaceful beach with amazing sunsets. Whether you are surfing for the weekend or tuna-fishing, this is your go to spot - you will not be disappointed. Westport is 7 miles by car and the Westport Winery is only 5 miles. There is two nearby boat launches - one off of Elk River just 2 miles away and the other off of Johns River launch just 6 miles away. We are located in the middle of an outdoor paradise and want others to enjoy all it has to offer. ***If you have questions about how to add sites to your reservation or change dates, please reach out to HipCamp support. They will be able to better assist you.***

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(164)

Riverside Camping Near Mt Rainier

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Elbe, WA

Welcome to our campsite located near Mt. Rainier. Our property is close to the Nisqually River on one side and the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad track on the other. The entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park is just a 15-minute drive away, making our campsite a convenient base for exploring the park. Enjoy fishing, hiking, and watching the scenic railroad pass by. Our campsite offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. Whether you're here for the outdoor activities or just want a quiet spot to camp, we look forward to hosting you.

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(68)

Elysian Retreat

10 sites · Tents15 acres · Orting, WA

Welcome to our tranquil retreat on 15 acres of diverse landscapes at Elysian Retreat in Orting, WA. Our property offers a harmonious blend of open pasture, lush tree cover, and dense woods, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventure. Access the Carbon River and Orting Foothills trail via our coded gate in the NW corner of our paddock. You'll enjoy a 5-minute walk or bike ride along a small, maintained path that opens up to a beautiful view of the Carbon River. (Map included in our Hipcamp images) As you explore our serene surroundings, you'll discover a peaceful small stream meandering through the property, offering a constant flow of natural beauty and wildlife. Watch for majestic elk, graceful deer, vibrant waterfowl, and elusive fish as they frequent the stream, creating a symphony of sights and sounds. Our friendly herd of five horses & four goats roam freely within the fenced area, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of our retreat. They're always eager to greet visitors and may even offer a helping hoof as you set up camp or simply relax under the shade of a tree. Whether you prefer to unwind with a good book beside the babbling stream, take a stroll through the woods, or simply soak in the serene ambiance of nature, our property offers endless opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Parking is available within the securely locked pasture, ensuring easy access to your vehicle throughout your stay. In rare instances of excess rain, alternative parking arrangements will be made to ensure your safety and convenience. We have Portable Fire Pits that are free to use while staying with us and we try to supply firewood (please contact us before your stay to ensure we have stock). Additionally, we have 1 porta-potty located at the gate for camper use and a dumpster for trash. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature at our picturesque retreat. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the beauty of our land with you. 5 Min to Downtown Orting 40 Min to Rainier National Park 45 Min to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

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Skokomish Park At Lake Cushman

60 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Hoodsport, WA

2024 Reservations are Open 2024 Season runs from March 29 - November 3 KING5 Evening Magazine's "The Best of the Northwest Escapes" competition voted us 2nd Best Campground. Come on out and check out the natural beauty Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman has to offer. Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman, formerly known as Camp Cushman or Lake Cushman State Park, covers over 500 acres with three boat-launch ramps on the 41,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Cushman. Park facilities include campsites, RV pull-thru and back-in sites, walk-in campsites, and two group camping areas. Plus, two fantastic day-use areas with picnic sites, a picnic shelter, and comfort stations located throughout the park. The natural beauty of the area can be explored on any of our trails. The eastern part of the Olympic Peninsula has loads of great trails around us in the Olympic National Park. Trailheads nearby include Big Creek, Mount Rose, Mount Ellinor, Dry Creek, Copper Creek, Wagonwheel Lake, Staircase Rapids, Big Log Camp, and Flapjack Lakes. Mount Ellinor Trail is rated 5 stars by many.

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The Healing Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Yelm, WA

Come enjoy your stay with farm animals! When you get here you will get a tour of the farm and introduced to all the animals. After, you can spend as much time with them. We have chickens, turkeys, baby chicks, ducks, goats and baby goats, livestock guardian dogs, wallabies, two capybara's, a porcupine, guinea pigs, patagonian mara's, alpacas, a llama, ponies, cats, rabbits, and a tortoise. We love our animals and each one has a specific purpose they fulfill. Enjoy some quiet time in nature and with all the animals. We encourage to just sit and hang out with the animals and be in the present moment. Animals are very healing. We are about an hour from Mount Rainier National Park, an hour and a half from Seattle and Portland and Olympia is only 30 minutes away. To see more of what we do and more of the animals, add us on Instagram@thehealingfarmwa or check out our website thehealingfarmwa.com We are happy to share our space with others! -Jason and Kat

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Summit Farms: Peaceful & Enjoyable

12 sites · RVs, Tents28 acres · Olympia, WA

We are Mitch and Michelle, and we welcome you to our little slice of Heaven. While we are working hard to be good stewards of this beautiful land, and growing produce to be sold at local farmers markets and through other community-based channels – we also love sharing this hidden gem with visitors. Our 30-acre property is a turn-of-the-century homestead, featuring a Heritage listed barn, located on the Thurston Bountiful Byway, and just minutes from the HWY5/Exit 99 - yet private and secluded. Bordering a state park – with a mix of wetlands, prairie grass and forest – we offer both RV full hook-ups and dry campsites. Great for digital nomads, families, travel nurses, solo retreats or small group gatherings - safe, secure, serene, and enjoyable! Come to relax, have some fun, or both! Welcome to Summit Farms! WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE: ~Our 115 y/o Big Red Barn is a sight to see! Not only gorgeous and unique, but a cool place to hang out. A perfect indoor spot for morning yoga, a quiet place to read, board games, a group meal, or some tunes and a game of pool on the slate table! We also have a 10ft screen, projector, speakers, mics and dozens of DVDs (or bring your own) And for a small additional fee, we can set up a movie and/or karaoke night. Please ask for details. ~We are just a few minutes’ drive from Millersylvania State Park, where you’ll find amazing trails, a lake for fishing, swimming and paddling, a seasonal snack bar and beer garden. ~There is Room To Roam. Our place boasts plenty of open space for walks, outdoor games, kiddos to run around, and secluded sanctuaries. Toss a ball with your youngster, play an unforgettable cornhole tournament, or just wander about, pick a spot and let your senses take over - a perfect place for quiet reflection. ~ If you pay attention, you’ll enjoy much wildlife not just on the ground, but in the air and waterways! Depending on the season, you’ll spot frogs, butterflies and dragonflies, eagles, hawks, garden snakes, rabbits, salamanders, herons, dozens of wild birds – of course the greedy deer families stealing apples and bedding down at dusk – and much more! ~Here, you’ll see Wide Open Skies! So, we don’t have the shadiest campsites around… but during your stay, you’ll never miss any of the sublime beauty above

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Wildfern Grove

8 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Buckley, WA

Learn more about this land: Immerse yourself in tranquility at our unique sanctuary nestled on 40 acres of pristine Pacific Northwest forest. Our property offers a captivating blend of intentional community living, event hosting capabilities, and short-term rentals.Find solace in one of our beautifully crafted yurts, each designed to provide a comfortable and harmonious living space amidst the towering trees. Step outside your yurt and into a relaxing meadow, perfect for quiet reflection or gathering with friends and family under the vast, starlit sky. Whether you seek a transformative community experience, a memorable event venue, or a peaceful retreat, our haven offers an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect with nature and yourself. 10 minutes from Bonney Lake, 15 minutes from Lake Tapps and one hour from Mt Rainier. We have 40 acres of sloped land with trails, wildlife, and nature to explore. Your yurt/tent site has territorial views of South Prairie, and includes a fire pit. Owners live on the property about a quarter mile away from the tent site, where you will find a communal kitchen and bathroom available for use.

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(48)

RV+ Rainbow Falls / Willapa Trails

9 sites · RVs, Tents56 acres · Chehalis, WA

(This is a leave no trace site. You must take all of your garbage with you!) Just 1.5 hours from Seattle, Portland, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, & Olympic National Park, just 3 minutes from Rainbow Falls State Park and 4 minutes from Willapa Biking Trail! We are located on top of Bunker Hill nestled between the Dunn creek and Chehalis river. Our property is 56 acres of mixed biomes including multi-generational forests, open meadows, and creek side trails. We are located right off Chandler Road, off of Highway 6. You turn onto Labri road (white sign) and you're on the property after going through a gate. Meander down the road past a red barn and several buildings on your right. Through the second gate, the dispersed camping site offers various sites for camping attached to a main trail that parallels the Dunn creek down to the Chehalis river. They are conveniently accessible off the logging roads which cross with Labri road after you've passed through the second gate. If you take the logging road to the left (look for a blue and white ribbon) you will come up to a tree line where you can park (another blue and white ribbon) and either take the trail to the left or right where you will find ample places to camp. You may camp along the trail or closer to the creek. The most ideal spot is right after you park near the blue and white ribbon if you walk North you'll see a site marked with an orange and white ribbon. This site has easy access to the creek but is still on a hill. There are four RV spots with full onsite hook-up. Two of the RV sites are paved and lit with ground lights and are prioritized for heavier rigs. The other two sites are on grass. We have two RV sites with no hook up (boondocking) but bathroom and shower access. We do not allow dumping of grey water or sewage at our property but there is a dump station just 1 minute away at Rainbow Falls State Park. The site is located on a hill so you get very nice view of sunsets and sunrises. For those who enjoy bird watching the nearby fruit trees bring in many birds. We are an ideal location for those who love the outdoors or just want to have private family events. 6 mi from Jones Creek Brewing, 7 mi from Evey's Cafe & Pe Ell, 20 mi from I-5, 69 mi Westport Quiet hours are from 11pm - 8am.

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The Arboretum at Bear Canyon West

12 sites · RVs12 acres · Cinebar, WA

This is a gorgeous park-like RV campground situated between the trees of the arboretum. No tents, please. Also we have NO public restrooms. Beautiful view of the mountains and forests here in western Washington. We are close to Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier and several lakes. There are walking trails all around the site. The 12 acre campground is located on a 136 acre property that is an active Christmas tree farm. Trails continue throughout the tree farm. Many trails have a view of the Tilton River, which can be reached via a challenging 3/4 mile trail. Sites are on 10 acres planted with many different species of trees that are about 30 years old. Giant Redwoods, Cedars, and Maples are just a few of the varieties present. Part of the farm is still a working Christmas tree farm. The trails are wide and grassy. The old logging road that we use as a trail to the river has an elevation change of about 500 feet, the trail can be quite challenging. Bear Creek empties into the Tilton river at the end of the trail. There is an ART GALLERY where you can learn to pound flowers, see the host's artwork and get a cup of coffee! This is upstairs above the shop, right on the property. Tilton River Studio Gallery. Three sites have electrical hookups. Every site has a water spigot (use a pressure regulator if you want to hook up). No restrooms or sewer hookups. Garbage disposal site available Memorial Day to Labor Day. We look forward to hosting you!

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(7)

Silver Lake Resort

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Silverlake, WA

Nestled in the picturesque Pacific Northwest near Mount St. Helens, Silver Lake Resort is a cherished family-owned campground. Boasting serene waters perfect for boating and fishing, guests can bring their own vessels or rent from a variety of options. With 19 RV sites and 7 tent sites; 5 cabins and 6 motel rooms. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquility amidst nature's splendor.

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Cranberry Moon - RV Oasis

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Grayland, WA

A private, RV-only camp area with 2 (individually rented) spots for self-contained RV, motorhome, or fifth wheels. Please read entire listing and check out our many photos for details. **We are on 105, you will hear cars** Check in after 3pm Check out by noon Come stay at Cranberry Moon, a beachy RV site. Rent one spot with the potential of having someone else there at the same time, or rent both spots to have the entire space to yourself. Cranberry Moon is located in the desirable area between Twin Harbors State Park and Grayland Beach State Park. There is drive-on Beach access nearby if you don't feel like walking. There are great local restaurants to try, sights to see and adventures to be had. We offer level back-in sites that can accommodate any length of trailer or motorhome. Each site is gravel with your own sand space instead of grass. Each space comes with its own picnic table. We do not offer fire rings. You are welcome to bring your own propane fire gear. A shared space has a small climbing structure for kids and plenty of sand to play. When the wind is low, you can hear the ocean from your site, and it is about a 10 minute walk down a well-maintained public access path to get to the beach. If you visit during spring, there may be times when the beach access trail is swampy, and you have to go around the block to get around it. There are many nearby places to access the beach within a short drive. We are located on state Route 105, so there is some traffic with road noise. Both spots sit back away from the road a good distance. There is a privacy fence along the road with gates. Copy and paste this link to view a video of the walk to the beach: https://youtu.be/MM82SW4OWs8 After booking, you will receive a detailed email with instructions and photos of how to get to our place, and how to get to the beach access path. We offer 30 and 50 amp electricity Propane firepits allowed - NO fire rings Pets allowed - on leash please if there is another camper. Otherwise at your discretion. Only the highway side is fenced at this time and a small or determined dog could possibly find a way out. This listing is for RV site only, NO RV provided NO water (spigots do not yet have water to them, you can fill at Grayland Beach State Park for free, 5 minutes to the south) NO sewer (you can also dump at Grayland Beach State Park for $5) NO toilets NO garbage containers, pack in - pack out please Grayland Beach State Park is conveniently located approximately 5 minutes drive south to fill your water, and they charge a $5 dump fee to empty your tanks.

The best camping near Capitol State Forest guide

Overview

About

Embark on a Capitol State Forest camping trip, where the verdant canopy of old-growth trees creates an enchanting backdrop for your wilderness adventure. With campgrounds scattered around its outskirts, camping near Capitol State Forest guarantees serene mornings accompanied by birdsong and dew-kissed foliage. Here, hiking and biking trails lure campers into the forest's heart, while nearby rivers offer opportunities for kayaking and fishing. As night descends, the clear sky sets the stage for unforgettable stargazing sessions. This Capitol State Forest camping experience weaves a tapestry of outdoor delights, offering both tranquility and thrilling explorations, making it a go-to destination for avid campers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Notable campgrounds

Browns Creek Campground - A serene spot nestled by the creek, ideal for a peaceful retreat amid the woods.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as campgrounds fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Check for cancellations regularly, as last-minute openings can occur.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Explore nearby camping options if your preferred site is unavailable.

When to go

The best time to visit Capitol State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for hiking and camping, but be prepared for crowds. Winters can be wet and chilly, making some areas less accessible.

Know before you go

Check the Washington State Department of Natural Resources website for the latest information on trail closures and safety advisories.
Cell service may be limited, so plan your route and communicate with your group in advance.
Day-use areas are open from 8:30am to 5pm, but times can vary seasonally.
Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the forest's natural beauty.
Some trails may be multi-use, so be courteous to other hikers, bikers, and equestrians.

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